Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you win BigBlogger?

Members of the Bored of Studies website will be provided with the ability to cast votes towards their favourite blogs. At the conclusion of the HSC examination period in November, the author of the blog that has received the most votes will be declared the winner.

Q: What if you don't win? Any consolation prizes?

There will be nine opportunities to score one of our fantastic monthly prizes. Each month the author of the blog that has received the most votes in that month will receive a special reward ranging from an iPod shuffle to the new Sony Reader.

Q: How will you select the participants?

Our team of HSC veterans will review applications with the aim of selecting a diverse cross-section of students from the 2006 HSC candidature. Our team will discriminate between similar applicants according to their demonstrated blogging ability - including the applicant's ability to write blog entries that are likely to appeal to the target audience, and the apparent breadth of topics at the applicant's disposal.

Q: To what extent will my personal details be published?

Your first name, school and HSC courses are the only pieces of information that we will require you to make public. Everything else will be up to you.

Q: Can I customise the design and appearance of my blog?

Yes! One of our web designers will set aside some time to spend with you customising the 'look and feel' of your blog. You needn't worry about having the necessary technical skills yourself.

Q: Can I put photos and videos on my blog?

Certainly. Many successful blogs utilise a range of media.

Q: Is there anything I can't put on there?

You can't write anything if it would constitute an offence. For example, you should make sure that you don't inadvertently defame anyone and that you don't infringe any copyright.

Q: How often can I/do I have to blog?

You can blog as frequently or as infrequently as you like. However, you may find it difficult to attract a proper audience if your updates are infrequent and sporadic.

Q: Can I get my friends to help me blog?

Whilst we anticipate that participants will recruit friends and family to assist with blog promotion, each blog entry must be the sole and personal work of the participant. However, we do of course encourage participants to seek moral support.

Q: What if I already have an existing blog?

That's OK. You can choose whether or not to continue maintaining it whilst participating in BigBlogger - but we strongly suggest that you take a temporary hiatus! You should also remember that all blog entries submitted to BigBlogger must be original pieces that have been written during the competition.

Q: What if I get sick? Or stressed? Can I drop out?

We strongly encourage all participants to keep with the spirit of BigBlogger and to continue blogging even when it gets tough. Keeping a journal can be surprisingly cathartic. However, we will permit you to forfeit your position in the competition if necessary. Once forfeited, you will not be permitted under any circumstances to resume your participation in BigBlogger. We may (at our discretion) introduce a new replacement participant.

Q: What's the destination for the grand prize?

We are still finalising the details of the grand prize schoolies trip and will publish the full package prior to the participant selection process. The package will likely feature a Gold Coast holiday.

Q: What if we've already booked a schoolies holiday?

You will be given the option of forfeiting your current holiday booking in favour of our grand prize, or alternatively having your expenses reimbursed in whole or in part by us.

Q: Are there any other terms and conditions?

We will publish a full listing of the rules of conduct and the competition terms and conditions prior to the participant selection process.

Good luck!